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Having worked for Bill Clinton, I can say that no one cared more nor tried to do more about Israeli-Palestinian peace than he. And Israelis and Palestinians loved him for it.

But, love isn't the issue; we need to be tough, fair, as well as reassuring this time around. The chances of a conflict-ending accord on all the core issues aren't great; but if there's to be a chance, then America needs to find the right balance between doing too much and too little. That means getting Abbas and Netanyahu to own their own negotiations before we run in to rescue a process in which they can't or won't make decisions.

The last thing we need is too much optimism which leads to another failed summit. Be real and be ready before you try this again.

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